Health Care

A gene potentially linked to epilepsy has been discovered in dogs. A study investigated juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) in Rhodesian Ridgebacks in search of its genetic cause. The genome wide association study (GWAS) revealed DIRAS1 to be a strong candidate gene. The gene has previously been linked to neurotransmission, making it a good entry point for future research into myoclonic epilepsies. DNA testing …

Male dog fertility has drastically decreased over the past 26 years, a University of Nottingham study finds. A reduction in the overall sperm quality of a population of breeding studs has been linked to environmental contaminants accumulating in the semen and testes. The environmental contaminants connected to the drop in fertility have also been found in commercial pet foods. A 26 …

Like humans, some cats and dogs are at risk of getting sunburn. UV rays from the sun can damage unprotected skin, leaving it red, sore and tender. Pets with short, thin or white coats are most at risk. Pale skin such as the nose or belly, has little pigmentation making it sensitive to the sun. Owners of cats or dogs at risk …

Canine babesiosis is a parasitic disease caused by infection with Babesia spp. Ticks carrying the Babesia parasite transmit it to dogs when they fed on their blood. Babesia infection leads to babesiosis. Until recently, this disease was rare in the UK, although commonly found across Europe and Central America. The main species currently affecting dogs in the UK is Babesia Canis. Babesia infects red blood cells, leading …

Lyme disease in dogs was first discovered in 1984. It is a disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Ticks transmit these bacteria when they feed. The primary vector is the tick species Ixodes. Lyme disease can affect many animals, including dogs and humans. The number of tick-related infections is increasing each year. A warming climate and the migration of people is helping spread ticks and …

Each year brings a seasonal increase in cold and flu infections, but have you ever worried about sharing your illness with your pets? Dogs and cats can be a great comfort while recovering when you’re ill and the latest advice says, if a little pet therapy is what you need, don’t be afraid to indulge in it. “The pet is a …

Feline panleucopenia (also known as feline infectious enteritis) is a highly contagious disease caused by a specific viral infection. The virus responsible is feline parvovirus (FPV), which is closely related to canine parvovirus. The name feline panleucopenia comes from the low white blood cell count caused as a result of FPV attacking immune cells.

Pet health company, Bob Martin, has taken action to remove their permethrin-based flea treatments from general sale to reduce the misuse of these products. Permethrin based flea treatments are widely available, but strictly for canine use only as they are toxic to cats. However, through mistake or misunderstanding these products are still occasionally used on cats. As a result permethrin poisoning is …

Feline upper respiratory tract infections are a common health problem amongst cats. Infections of the feline upper respiratory tract are described as ‘cat flu’. Unlike human flu, which is caused by the influenza virus, cat flu can be caused by a number of different viruses and bacteria. The two most common causes of feline upper respiratory tract infections are feline herpesvirus …

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is the term used to describe a range of diseases with similar symptoms that affect the lower urinary tract of male and female cats. FLUTD is one of the most common health implications affecting cats, estimated to affect over 1% of the total cat population. Fortunately, with treatment, the prognosis for FLUTD is good …